Batman: The Dark Knight Returns

By Frank Miller, Klaus Janson & Lynn Varley

Description

"A NEW YORK TIMES Bestseller!
Hailed as a comics masterpiece, THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS is Frank Miller's (300 and SIN CITY) reinvention of the legend of Batman. It remains an undisputed classic, one of the most influential stories ever told in comics, and is a book cited by the filmmakers as an inspiration for the most recent Batman movies.
It is ten years after an aging Batman has retired and Gotham City has sunk deeper into decadence and lawlessness. Now, as his city needs him most, the Dark Knight returns in a blaze of glory.
Joined by Carrie Kelly, a teenage female Robin, Batman takes to the streets to end the threat of the mutant gangs that have overrun the city. And after facing off against his two greatest enemies, the Joker and Two-Face, for the final time, Batman finds himself in mortal combat with his former ally, Superman, in a battle that only one of them will survive. This collection is hailed as a comics masterpiece and was responsible for the launch of the Christopher Nolan Batman movies.
This volume collects BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS #1-4."

Reviews

Awesome Story

4

By WIRockFan

Frank Millar's storytelling abilities are phenomenal, but where the story lost me was in the artwork. It was a bit lazy and sloppy in certain spots, but part of me believes that may have been a stylistic choice. Overall, I highly recommend this graphic novel!

Cool story

5

By clayroyer

Still holds up!

I’m Batman

5

By DC 52

Just like the review said, Frank Miller as created a masterpiece and DC should be proud, this is why Marvel will never win.

Best Graphic novel ever

5

By Kole sibs

Best Batman story ever. Only flaw is the portayal of superman

Amazing

5

By Seay37075

AMAZING!!!!

Greatest Limited Series Ever

5

By AppleZilla

Iconic. Influenced every Batman movie made. From Keaton (The Best) to Bale.
Miller NAILED Ronald Reagan as the father of all corrupt politicians.
I wish DC and Marvel would just digitize their entire back catalog.

Good, though it does have some flaws

4

By Bat-Excellence

I do like this comic, but I have three problems with it.
1.) Why would Frank Miller make Ronald Reagan look like a corrupt politician? I know what Frank was trying to show us how the government is corrupt, but Ronald Reagan?
2.) The news reports telling us how they feel about Batman. It just doesn't feel right. We all have our own opinion about the Caped Crusader.
And #3 is my biggest problem: You know I like Superman more than Batman, so as you can imagine, I am NOT satisfied with what Frank Miller did to him. It was established with his first appearance that he fights against corrupt politicians. Superman would NEVER take orders from a corrupt president. Did he take orders from Luthor when he was in the Oval Office?
So here's the stuff I do like:
1.) I like the Joker in this story. Although Two-Face is my favorite Batman Villain, I think that the Joker is the greatest super villain of all time. He's portrayed beautifully in this comic. This also goes to show you that without Batman, there is no Joker.
2.) I like how Frank Miller dive into the psychology of Batman. It shows you how Batman is the real person, not Bruce Wayne. Bruce died when his parents were murdered in front of his eyes. The moment when he decides to be Batman again is pure awesomeness.
3.) I like Carrie Kelley as Robin. She's a good character in this comic, but to be honest, I like her personality a lot more in the New 52. I pray to God that she becomes the new Robin.
So of you're a die hard Superman fan, you won't be satisfied with this story. But as you can tell, there's a lot of good stuff for Batman. So it's definitely worth buying. If you're a Batman fan who wants to get into his comics, start out with this one. You'll see the influence it had on his movies.

Best Batman comic ever!

5

By Axle James

I don't know how this comic could possibly be any better! Every sentence, every illustrated picture is perfect! DC Comics should be proud to have published such a novel! There never was a better Batman comic produced than the Dark Knight Returns!

Best Batman story of all-time!!!!!!!!

5

By T-1000

What can be said that has not already been said about The Dark Knight Returns? Surpassed only by Watchmen, this is probably the best comic book/graphic novel ever written. 'Masterpiece' doesn't do it enough justice. Grade: A+